Monthly Archives: February 2022

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Local parents, teachers and students see some silver linings in remote learning

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The pandemic has transformed the way we live in almost every way imaginable.

Communication, learning, socializing, and working are all aspects of our lives that have undergone drastic changes throughout the last couple of years. While many government and health officials have expressed that these times are unprecedented and the challenges we’ve endured have been difficult to cope with at times, some members of our community have made positive observations throughout a time of turmoil.

Melissa Pothier, a nursing student and health care worker living on the North Shore, shares that “the situation brought tenacity, resilience, perseverance, bravery, and new perspectives. “

Pothier states “the optimism is just related to completing the goal. Nothing to do with covid related optimism as covid has been a mess, hopefully things will continue to get better.”

In terms of remote learning, Pothier did not recall having any difficulties. “I didn’t find any challenges to remote learning and I actually liked learning at home,” she said.

Jacqueline Sweeney, an educator in the Haverhill public school system, described how her students dealt with the transition to remote learning in the past and how they are doing today with the adjustment back to in-person learning.

“The students who attended remote learning every day and have consistent attendance are doing OK. Last year, we were hybrid and also had a remote learning academy. I see the biggest deficits with the students who were remote all year and had poor attendance with remote schooling,” she said.

According to Sweeney, attendance is a major contributing factor when it comes to a student’s success, especially with remote learning.

When asked whether she thought remote learning opportunities are beneficial and should be widely available under any circumstance or if they should only be only used on an as-needed basis Sweeney responded “This is a tough question. On one hand, I think that if a student is going to be out for an extended period of time, having them complete some lessons remotely is beneficial. But, having the teacher work with a student online and students in person is not beneficial to any students. I think it is beneficial is the family is involved and on board. If they are not, then it does not work well. This is purely from the academic standpoint. I do not think that this opinion applies to the social emotional well being of the kids. Many children have forgotten how to interact with other children and are struggling with making friends. Overall, I do not think that remote learning opportunities are the way to go for public schools.”

In Sweeney’s opinion, remote learning serves a purpose depending on the circumstances.

Nadia Slepoy, a mother residing in Lynn, Massachusetts, shares similar views about remote learning availability. “As a parent I think remote learning has opened a new way of schooling, it should be given as an option for children that thrive in that kind of setting. The only downside would be the social aspect of going to school, and school being a safe place for a lot of kids.”

Both Slepoy and Sweeney share concerns about social well-being with remote learning.

Slepoy goes on to share how covid precautions have affected her 4 year-old daughter’s school experience when asked about how her daughter handles wearing a mask in class. “My daughter was very young when the pandemic started and she had an adjustment period where she’d try to remove it often. Now it’s just a new norm and she doesn’t mind it all.”

Mask mandates, pool testing, and hygiene protocols are some examples of covid precautions put in place by school systems since the beginning of the pandemic. Despite the challenges that accompany remote learning, Sweeney shares a positive outlook on what has occurred for her as a result of these difficult times.

“I honestly think that it has made me a better teacher. I have been forced to make my lessons more concise and targeted, to ensure that students at home would be able to do their work and understand. During our hybrid time, we also had remote Wednesdays. This was excellent because it gave time for me to do a book study with my colleagues on the Science of Reading. It was also time to receive additional trainings. There was also a huge focus on Social Emotional Learning and building relationships. This helped me to develop deeper relationships with my students.”

From a parent’s point of view, Slepoy is also able to put a positive spin on her experiences.

“The pandemic changed the way we view illnesses- my daughter now loves learning about the science behind all this, and it showed us how easily our every day life can change. It brought a lot of challenges for everyone, and navigating through the constant changes took a toll on our physical and mental health. I think the silver lining is that no matter how difficult and unprecedented times are, better days (similar to pre-covid) are coming and hopefully this turns into an endemic very soon.”

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High school students say they would welcome life skills classes

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It’s that time of year again when soon-to-be high school graduates eagerly send in their college applications and wait patiently for their dream schools to send back an acceptance letter.

In times like these, parents lay solemn as they realize their kids will be off to school in just a few short months, leaving high school with jam-packed knowledge they learned from textbooks. But recently it has come into question as to what knowledge both high school and college students should be learning, versus what they are being taught, and how much of it they’ll take with them in the long run.

A life skills class, which would teach students basic tasks such as balancing a checkbook, doing taxes, buying a home, or putting a spare tire on a car, are all situation’ students will face at one point in their lives. The incorporation of a class like this could prepare students for life after high school, and possibly lessen the nerves and burden becoming an adult.

“Financial Math taught me about many things that will matter in my future, such as paying for college, taxes, credit scores, and insurance,” said Olivia Hansen, a NECC student, who spoke about a previous class she took in high school.  “Prior to this class, I knew hardly anything about these important topics that I would utilize as I entered the “real world.” The course made me feel more ready and less stressed about becoming more independent and armed me with more information to prepare myself for the future.”

Over at Methuen High School, senior Jordyn Graves spoke about the importance a class like this would have for fellow students: “It would educate people more on saving their money correctly and budgeting better. Since people lose track of their finances so easily, it could help them become more organized.”

Though a class like this would be beneficial to students in nearly every state, the process of introducing a new class to curriculums is no easy task. There are hurdles involved, such as hiring another teacher to teach this class, which adds yet another salary to the schools’ payroll. Schools are already underfunded enough, so schools would most likely prioritize purchasing new technology or textbooks before introducing a new class.

“When I send my students off to the next grade every June, I encourage to them to remember how important school is. I encourage them to keep striving to be their best. From what I’ve seen, not every student has the resources to learn skills they’ll need for the future, so I truly believe a life skills class would be so rich in teaching students such important life benefits. A class like that could really be structured towards any age group too,” says parent Michelle Graves, who has been teaching in Methuen and surrounding areas since 2008.

When its time to graduate, and students come to find their niche in life and what their major will be, whether it be the Pythagorean Theorem or the Pyramids of Giza, some may say most of the information they have learned in school has no real benefit towards their future lives or teachings.

But fundamental skills that students may have the opportunity to take home with them if a life skills class is incorporated into curriculum could bring quite the joy to any parents’ face.

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Russia and Ukraine: What’s going to happen? 

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The possibility of Russia invading Ukraine is becoming more of a reality each day, but what would that mean for us?

At the moment, it’s uncertain.

Many people are joking about World War III or being drafted, yet many don’t know what’s truly happening.

To understand why Russia has intentions to invade Ukraine we must go back to 2014 when Russia took control of Ukraine’s Crimean region after Ukraine’s President Yanukovych fled the country after protests of his decision to reject a deal for greater economic integration with the European Union.

Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, defended Russia’s actions by claiming to want to protect the rights of Russian citizens in Crimea and Southeast Ukraine, resulting in two regions of Ukraine declaring independence and siding with Russia.

This created a violent scene between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatist forces.

An estimated 10,300 people have been killed while 24,000 have been injured since April 2014, according to news reports.

In 2015 the violence ceased through the Minsk Accords giving Ukraine control over their government and throughout the conflict zone, but there has been no diplomatic settlement or resolution. Now, U.S. intelligence officials warned that Russia may be preparing an invasion of Ukraine when armor, missiles, heavy weaponry, and more than one hundred thousand troops were spotted near the border of Ukraine.

Russia had set demands stating that Ukraine cannot enter the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) which the other allies have rejected. President Biden has now ordered nearly three thousand U.S. troops to Poland and Romania to be prepared in case of a possible invasion , acording to the Center for Preventative Actions’ Global Conflict Tracke).

These are just facts that have been reported. Those who are serving and who have served have their own opinions. Alex Montuori has been serving in the U.S. Navy for six years now.

“It’s an unfortunate situation that shouldn’t surprise anyone. Putin in the past has shown no regard for United Nations sanctions and policies and has a history of invading neighboring countries,” Mountuori said.

And unfortunately, Montuori believes Russia will invade.

“Recent diplomacy talks at UN meetings have not led anywhere and I think Russia will continue with their advance knowing that the United States wants to avoid large scale conflicts and most likely not defend the Ukraine if Russia were to launch a full-scale invasion.”

Montuori says that America shouldn’t interfere as we have been looked at as the peace keeping nation for too long where it has negatively affected our economy and image.

Only if the United Nation makes a group decision, then it would be acceptable for the US to intervene, Montuori said.

Alexandria Gagnes, a veteran who served for 7 ½ years in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate as a Second-Class Petty Officer, agrees.

“As to whether the U.S. should interfere is a tough question from a veteran’s perspective. I’ll say this: it’s happened before, and it will happen again,” Gagnes said.

Gagnes points out a harsh truth. “To be honest, we are already at war and we have been at war since 2001 (this war that is). For military members, I don’t think much will change the U.S. Navy has been present in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean for the past 30 years. I don’t believe that there will be war in the U.S. that will impact our everyday lives. However, the Sixth Fleet (U.S. Navy) will be impacted, and the sailors onboard the armada of ships will inevitably be affected in regard to longer deployments and fewer port visits.”

Talk of war is terrifying, but in reality, we’ve already been at war. We’re all so worried about ourselves, but what about the troops that are serving now? How will this affect them? History repeats itself and fighting may begin between Russia and Ukraine as it did in 2014.

Arts and Entertainment

Movies of 2022: What to expect this year?

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2022 is going to be quite a massive year for cinema fans. Film has been one of the most prominent forms of entertainment that have been keeping people less stressed throughout the pandemic. 2021 already consisted of some major releases, such as “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Godzilla vs Kong,” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” However, 2022 is going to be just as big of a year for movies, as many big franchises will be given a new installment and there are some new films for NECC Students to be excited for.

Here are some of the most exciting movies to look forward to this year:

“The Batman” – As one of the most anticipated movies of 2022, “The Batman” will provide fans with a new movie version of the comic book character and when it releases on March 4. The film will be directed by Matt Reeves. It stars Robert Pattinson as the titular character.  Pattinson previously starred in movies such as “Twilight” and “The Lighthouse.” The film will also star Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman, Paul Dano as Riddler, and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth.

“Jurassic World: Dominion”– A trailer for “Jurassic World: Dominion” was released on February 10th. The “Jurassic Park” series will conclude with this movie. The film will be directed by Colin Trevorrow, who worked on the most recent two “Jurassic World” films. Not only are Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard reprising their roles from the past two films in the “Jurassic World” movies, but “Dominion” will also feature the return of Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. The three of them are well known for their roles in “Jurassic Park” as Alan Grant, Elle Sattler, and Ian Malcolm, respectively.

“Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness” –  A trailer was released during this year’s superbowl. “The Multiverse of Madness” is the sequel to “Doctor Strange,” which waas released five years ago. It will explore the multiverse an what exists within it. The movie will be directed by Sam Raimi, mostly known for his works in “Evil Dead” and “Spider-Man.” Benedict Cumberbatch will reprisse his role as “Doctor Strange” and is known for his roles in movies such as “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” and “Sherlock.” Also returning is Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlett Witch. Olsen starred in “WandaVision” last year. It has been speculated that Patrick Stewart will be reprising his role as Professor X from the “X-Men” movies.

“Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse Part One” – The long-awaited sequel for “Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse” will finally be released on Oct. 7. It will be directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin Thompson. Hailee Steinfeld and Shameik Moore will be reprising their roles as Spider-Gwen and Miles Morales respectively. Oscar Isaac will also be reprising his role as Spider-Man 2099. Oscar Isaac is having a big year this year as well, starring in “Moon Knight” as the titular character.

These are the most highly-anticipated movies that will be released this year. While there are plenty of movies coming out this year, these releases in particular seem to be the most popular among NECC students and many others. It seems 2022 will be another big year for movies, and it seems to get even bigger as the year progresses.

Sports

Knights Basketball made it 10 straight win and clinch a playoff spot

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On Tuesday Feb. 8, NECC Knights defeated Springfield Technical Community College 75 to 58 to clinch a playoff spot it was a 6 p.m. tipoff at the Sport and Fitness Center in the Haverhill Campus. It was a makeup game from January 11.

Eight-nine fans turned out to see the game.

The Knights were looking to win their 10 straight on Tuesday night and clinched a playoff spot. After winning nine straight at Gateway Community College on the road 65 to 48 on Saturday February 5.

Kevin Monteiro did not have a minute restriction against Springfield Technical Community College, said Stratton.

Knights basketball looking to win 10 straight against Springfield Technology Community College
Knights basketball looking to win 10 straight against Springfield Technology Community College Photo by Jose Rodriguez, Sports Editor

“Kevin actually we were very fortunate off the bench against Gateway and he was a key to us defensively he picked up five or six offensive charges that were momentum changes for us and he continued to do that, Stratton said. He also mentioned “Kevin does a lot of the dirty work that doesn’t show up in the box score that I like about me. Every possession that he is competing every possession he is getting after it and he sacrifice his body more than anyone in this basketball team and we are very fortunate to have Kevin on this team,” he said.

I asked if the league canceled the game originally because of COVID concern? “I am not to sure I think everyone was battling with covid early that’s when it spike up right after Christmas everyone was coming down with it, everyone was juggling it, everyone was rescheduling games. This game just happened to be one of these games to be a reschedule which I am fine with I been in this league a long time and I know there is so much adversity, weather is academic, weather is covid weather is injuries. I always felt that I rather play their team at the best then at the worst. That’s the way I look at it and I hope a lot of coaches feels the same way about my self that giving the opportunity if we become withier is covid or not having enough player that they will be realistic and give us an opportunity to move the game as well,” Stratton said.

Stratton had a game plan strategy to control Jeremiah Barbosa he is a forward that lead Region 21 with 62.1 field goals percentage.

“We are doing a couple of things we are not going to do anything special or ordinary tonight, I really don’t have much film on Springfield Tech. The one thing that I do know is this is Springfield Tech’s third game in four nights, so we probably going to test their legs early on. We might pick up their point guard a little bit full court trying to see what they can do trying to ware them down. Every team we face it becomes unpredictable. I know the scouting report last game we had on Gateway, which there is playing everyone in the league was two three zone, man to man so I think coaches are trying to come up with something to try to throw us off a little bit and I told my kids the other night after Gateway that you have to expect everyone best game. Everyone is coming for you it is not a secret that these kids ripped of nine wins in a row… I think if we just concentrate in ourselves  and worry what we do everything gets care of itself,” he said.

Knights won the tipoff against Springfield. The Knights begin the game with 10-2 run.

Daniel Almarante of Lawrence had 4 points,  Phillip Cunningham of Haverhill had 4 and Metin Yavuz of Istanbul, Turkey had 2 points during that run. The Knights had Almarante also pick up a steal.

Cunningham he was on foul trouble early on picking up two fouls in a span of a minute to begin the game. “Losing Philip early to foul trouble really hurt us we are a different basketball team with Philip on the basketball court then what he is off the basketball court,”  Stratton said. “For some reason Phillip doesn’t give up play he just aggressive. He is one of the key members of this basketball team and as you saw tonight with Philip off the court we struggle a little bet more than what is on the court and it showed tonight so hopefully he can stay away of foul trouble and keep us going in the right direction,” Stratton said.

NECC Knights Mascot with Sports Editor, Jose Rodriguez
NECC Knights Mascot with Sports Editor, Jose Rodriguez Photo by Jose Rodriguez, Sports Editor

During the first period a NECC Mascot showed up  and stayed through out the game.

The Mascot was sitting down and interacted with fans. During half time he came and talk to me and was taking pictures. When the Knights comeback from the locker room into the court the Mascot was high five and giving fist bump to the Knights players.

The Knights was struggling in the middle of the first period Springfield was on a 15 to 3 run.

“Yeah I didn’t know what happened I think our defense kind of lack we weren’t sliding our feet we let them go by us and stuff and we end up figuring it out at the end and we were able to score, Matt D’Amato of Peabody  said. Then I told him how in the middle of the period they completely collapse for a few minutes “That is true we do that I think it is lack of focus just not focusing on defense not being were we supposed to be we attend to figure it out and the last 10 games we had so and we going to continue to do that,” he said.

D’amati just scored 2 points in 20 minutes.

The Knights were throwing the ball more than a few time out of bounds.

“Oh 100% our turnovers was attritions we talked about it at half time we made a lot of error passes that we shouldn’t made that we looked like our first semester basketball team like we really didn’t look like what we are doing what we were capable off I mean we just made some horrendous passes we made some horrendous decisions we talked about that at half-time…” Stratton said.

The Knights had six fouls and Springfield had eight during the first half. The Knights had 5 point lead versus Springfield the Knights were up 31 to 26.

The second period began with Metin Yavuz of Istanbul Turkey missing the first 2 free throw shot to open the second period.

It was a key turning point for the Knights when Springfield removed Chris Ortiz after he pick up his third or four foul during the game “We were forced to do stuff to take Ortiz away we were fall of denial on him and let someone else beat us we played defense behind him and I think them losing him early in the second half like in that eight minute it was only a five point game when they went to the bench he went to the bench we were in a 6-0 run increase that lead to 11 and know it’s a different basketball game you moved up to double digits…” Stratton said.

Knights had six fouls and Springfield had nine in the second half. Overall during the game the Knights had 12 fouls and Springfield had 17.

Coach Stratton told me that they left a lot of position and points in the table “we gave up a lot of position I think we left probably 20 to 30 points in the basketball court we missed layups, we turned the ball over, we hadn’t had any charges, we didn’t step in to the lane we were doing a lot of stuff that uncharacteristic of us and we need to improve. I am going to be honest with you like I told this guy it can be one and done in the tournament if we don’t improve like we want to play our best basketball heading into the tournament and this last couple of games have exposed us a little bit that we better start getting refocused and it has to start tomorrow at practice,” he said.

Almarante pass the ball to Asik who was in mid air and he just dunked you can see that dunk on NECC Knights Instagram page.

Asik who scored 25 points in 26 minutes with 16 rebounds and 6 assists talk to me how it feels to clinch a playoff spot “Thank you we actually feel really good because we earned and we been working hard and we going to continue working harder and we made the playoff right know… this is just the beginning, Asik said.

Knights will try to make it 11 straight on Thursday Feb. 10 when the Knights go on the road and faced Quinsigamond Community College tipoff is scheduled to be at 7 p.m.

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Knights Basketball eight straight win for the first time since 2006-07 season

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NECC Knights defeated  Roxbury Community College 81 to 54 to win their eight straight game for the first time since 2006-07 season.

NECC Knights faced Roxbury Community College at home on Thursday Feb. 3 it was originally scheduled for a 6 p.m. tip off for a conference division game at the sports and fitness center at the Haverhill campus.  Roxbury arrived late they were stuck in traffic om their way to the sports and fitness center it was a 6:27  tipoff instead of 6:00 p.m.

The Knights stunned everyone defeating Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) 71 to 70 on Feb. 1, on the road handing them their first conference division lost of the season.  

I asked NECC Basketball head coach Darren Stratton a little bit about the game that they played against CCRI that ranked number six nationally. 

 The Knights were the underdogs and stunned everyone to win seven in a row, longest winning streak since the 2006-07 season when they won 14 straight and handing CCRI its  first conference division lost of the season.  

Before the game coach Stratton told me Division 2 and 3 college coaches collegiate spoken to him after the Knights defeated CCRI. Even though it was unexpected but Stratton knows what kind of team this basketball team it’s capable off.

“I thought when CCRI came up here (Dec. 4) we lost that game more than they really beat us. They beat us pretty good they beat us almost close to 50 points and I think it was an embarrassment to the kids because they had kinda a team meeting right after that game and express a lot of their feelings and since that game home against CCRI they kids started to buy in they started to work they understand coming to practice every single day it’s a challenge and you have to work to get better every single day…, Stratton said.   

On January fans were not permitted due to the high spike of Covid and concerning of the omicron virus but know the fans are know permitted during home games. 98 people were attended when the saw the Knights take on Roxbury. 

 How the fans going to react knowing they won seven in a row? 

 “It’s funny you said that because (Athletic Director)  Dan (Blair) mentioned to me the other night and I am going to be honest with you I don’t pay to much attention to the fans but is great for the kids because know we get some of this guys of my back because ‘coach why can’t fans come… ‘finally when I said fans can attend to games the kids went ecstatic … I also understand every precocious taking due to COVID-19, I want to take every precocious possible because I want to continue with the season. So if fans can attend let them attend if they can’t they can’t Dan (Blair) does an excellent job here at the college with social media. All of our games are live streamed, so it’s not the parents or anyone is missing a beat you can watched in YouTube, Facebook live… I think it’s great for the kids because they enjoyed that playing in that kind of atmosphere, Stratton said. 

Stratton told me anything that we need to know before Feb.3 game against Roxbury “We’re going to have our time against Kevin Agyemang. he comes from Dracut, I was recruiting him flat out shorter he shooted 45 percent behind three point line, kids quick savvy he is going to be a tough match up for us.  Roy Kalu number five he is going to be an extremely tough match up for us number one (Jordon- Philip Long) is going to be really tough they are really god loaded. Our gods need to come and perform tonight if our gods don’t show up we going to walk away losing and Roxbury is coming in our gym and whopped us so our gods have to come ready to play… Stratton said.   

Knights and Roxbury getting ready for tipoff on Feb. 3
Knights and Roxbury getting ready for tipoff on Feb. 3 Photo by Jose Rodriguez, Sports Editor

Even though Roxbury won the tip off against the Knights. The gods did show up against Roxbury, Cristian Kinsley of Lawrence he was unstoppable in the first half,  scoring three three pointers in a span of four minutes and 19 seconds. He finished with four three pointers in the first half and finished the game scoring five three pointer he had 19 points on the game.  

Knights were on a 18 to 9 run in the first eight minute of the first period in the game “We been playing really well early on were coming out I just like to see how Cristian (Kinsley) and Daniel (Amarante) have got this guys focused I couldn’t ask for better captains in that aspect I know Cameron (Stratton)  and Daniel (Almarante)  are more vocal type of captains I can’t tribute they are ready to play,” Stratton said.  

The Knights increases their lead with eight minutes left in the first period they were up by 16 having a 32-16 lead.  

Daniel Almarante of Lawrence and Mehmet Asik of Ankara, Turkey both recorded 8 points in the first half. Philip Cunningham of Haverhill had a turnover in the first period. 

Knights were up 42-24. When they went to the locker room they had a 18 points lead on their way winning eight in a row. The Knights had six fouls while Roxbury had seven.  

Knights begin the second period on a 12-2 run Metin Yavuz of Istanbul Turkey was responsible for eight of those points “I thought Metin probably played one of his best game of the season he is coming along. He really control the paint for us and his kinda a throwback as far as the post player goes sordoff like a Kevin McHale (he was a former NBA player and a former coach)  back in the day. He was very effective for us we played great team defense,” Stratton said.  

Knights had seven fouls during the second period while Roxbury only had four in total during the game Knights had 13 fouls and Roxbury had 10. The Knights hold on to defeat Roxbury 81 to 54 to win eight straight game. 

I told Cristian Kinsley about the recent success and the winning streak that they are currently they are in eight game winning streak for the first time since 2006-07 season when they won 14 straight “I mean it’s great to be apart of a eight game winning streak but we wouldn’t been here without coach,” Kinsley said.  

Before the season started if he ever invasion winning eight in a row? 

 “Before the season start I though we had a great team I ain’t going to lie I thought we were a great team we started off slow and know we finally like I said clicked as a unit and we are playing the game of basketball like it supposed to be played,” Kinsley said. 

Knights will try to make it nine straight on Sat. Feb 9 when the Knights will hit the road to face Gateway Community College in Connecticut. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.  

 

Sports

Knights Basketball first six game winning streak since 2008-09 season

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On Thursday, Jan. 27 NECC Knights defeated University of Connecticut at Avery Point for a conference division game 67 to 47 it was a 6 p.m. tip off at the Sports and Fitness Center at the Haverhill campus.  

Knights were looking to win six in the row for the first time since 2008-09 season.  

The Knights were 9-7 overall and 6-2 in conference division game heading into Jan. 27 game.  

Before the game I hinted at the possibility to coach Stratton of winning six in a row “I think it will be great for the kids if we can pull of a victory tonight, he said.

“What we are really doing is my captain is doing a great job which we are trying to stay focused and concentrate on the next game which we have all leagues game coming up. I have a funny feeling Bristol is going to get canceled on Saturday with the blizzard coming supposedly, so this game is extremely important to us because after this game we don’t play again until CCRI on Tuesday… every game is important to get a victory but it is always nice when you are in the winning side then being in the losing side.”  

On Nov. 20 Knights beat this same team at Connecticut 62 to 59 “I think it all plays out how we come to play if we come to play at our best I think we’re good as anybody but sometimes we really have a tough time getting going during our winning streak,” Stratton said. “We haven’t had that issue but in the past we had a tough time getting going so hopefully that’s not a problem tonight,” Stratton said.  

Stratton also said they have recently gotten some key players back that wasn’t playing that game (Nov. 20) due to injury. Philip Cunningham, Cristian Kinsley and Matt D’Amato have all returned after being absent on Nov. 20 game because of injury.

Knights won tipoff against UConn at Avery Point. Both teams had nonfoul during the game until the first period with 11:25 remaining and Matt D’Amato hit a foul.

Coach Stratton told me in the post-game interview “I was very surprised but I felt that’s a tribute to a couple of different things I don’t think we (have) been as aggressive so I think we (have) been a little lazy and tributed to not being overly aggressive to not many foul calls the other thing is I felt that we were playing pretty good defense to the point we were communicating well getting a good position…, Stratton said.  

Knights in action vs UConn at Avery Point Photo by Jose Rodriguez, Sports Editor

In the first four minutes the Knights started aggressive going on 10-5 run.

Ashton Ventola of Danville, N.H., who scored 5 points in 14 minutes against UConn Avery Point, told me “We just wanted to stay aggressive that’s our goal to stay aggressive the whole game we wanted to make sure we want them to put them in the hole early. We wanted to,  we were in kill mode all the time that’s what we need to do all the time we jumped on them early, we had a good lead, we were moving the ball well, we were making shot that’s how we able to keep aggressive the whole time.” 

During the game it was a little concerning UConn Avery Point in the first half they were scoring in rebounds the Knights they are one of the best rebounds in the conference Stratton told me “That’s what I was concern we are one of the best rebound team in our regent and in the first half UConn Avery Point was rebounding us. They brought more afait they out hustle us they were aggressive in the glass we really weren’t discipline in our fundamentals we weren’t finding a men and boxing out and it opened up a lot of lanes for UConn Avery Point to attacken and grab the rebounds…, Stratton said.  

Kevin Monteiro just played four minutes against  UConn Avery Point. He got injured in the first half with a low ankle sprain injury, something related to his tendon Stratton told me “It’s a minor injury that he should be able to fight through it he tried to put pressure on it before we coming off from half-time but told me he just couldn’t go so we just shut him down,” Stratton said.  

He should be ready to go for Tuesday Feb. 1, when the Knights hit the road against CCRI who are undefeated 10-0 on Region 21 conference and 12-2 overall during the season.  

In the first half the Knights committed four fouls while UConn at Avery Point made two. The Knights were up 34-22 when they went into the locker room.  

Daniel Almarante of Lawrence had 10 points during the fist half that led the Knights in the game he finished with 16 points.  

In the second period with nine minutes and 20 second left Knights were up 55 to 35. They had a 20-point lead “we came very efficient we talked about it in half time the second half we started much better as you saw  we buckle down defensively. I know Cristian pick up a quick foul, R2 (Mehmet) picked up a foul his third foul in the 19:38 mark. I was going to make the decision to pull him out and he wave me off saying let me play through it which I am happy that I did… I think in the second half we played much much better much better, Stratton said.  

 Coach Stratton only time out came on the second period with only 5:02 left to go “What I got aggravated at 5:02 mark if you saw that from the 7:00 minute mark to the 5:02 mark we had three offensive possessions and well out of sink Daniel (Almarante) I spoke with earlier he got to get a set his got to get situated. We had guys in wrong position we were taking bad shots we were forcing a lot of things and we become very undisciplined no matter if you have a 15 point lead or 20 point lead you start creating bad habits, that bad habits carried over and in this region this is going to be one or two possession games that you going to need you better be making the right decision and if you start creating bad habits bad habits carried over …, Stratton said.  

 Knights had six fouls in the second half while UConn at Avery Point had two in total during the game the Knights had ten while UConn had four.  

Knights defeated UConn Avery Point 67 to 47 this is the Knights first six game winning streak since 2008-09 season.  

After the game I had a chance to talk to Jasjit Banwait of Malton Ontario who scored 4 points, 5 rebounds and played 17 minutes.

I asked him if he knows this is the first since 2008-09 season that they won 6 in a row “I didn’t know that this is a great team to be a part of we going for a championship we should be winning six in a row,” Banwait said.   

It will be a good battle on Feb.1,  the red-hot Knights Basketball will face Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) in the road. CCRI are 10-0 in conference division game and 12-2 overall. Tipoff is scheduled to be at 7 p.m.